Sealable plastic bag assembly

ABSTRACT

A tamper evident plastic bag having a sheet folded to form opposing first and second panels and a bottom gusset. The bag includes a first seam and a second seam that cooperate with the panels and the gusset to form a content receiving region between the panels. A third seam secures the first panel to the second panel at a location between the first seam and the second seam forming two compartments of the content receiving region. An adhesive strip is disposed on an internal surface of the first panel, and the strip being positioned opposite an opposing portion of an internal surface of the second panel. When a protective strip is removed, and the adhesive strip is brought into contact with the opposing internal surface of the second panel, a seal is formed that closes the plastic bag, forming a vent between the first seam and the seal.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application based upon patentapplication Ser. No. 15/388,740 (Attorney Docket No. MTANP006X1), filedDec. 22, 2016, which is entitled “SEALABLE WAVE BAG ASSEMBLY WITHINTEGRATED VENTING”, naming Tan as the inventor, which in turn is acontinuation-in-part application based upon patent application Ser. No.15/374,764 (Attorney Docket No. MTANP006), filed Dec. 9, 2016, which isentitled “SEALABLE WAVE BAG ASSEMBLY WITH INTEGRATED VENTING”, namingTan as the inventor, and both of which are incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to wave top bags, and more particularly,relates to single use, food service, sealable wave top bags withintegrated venting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Plastic bags that have a bell-shaped upper portion and open extra wideat the top to enable quick and easy loading of take-out orders arecommonly referred to as wave bags or wave-top bags. Wave bags typicallyinclude a folded bottom gusset portion having a wide, flat base that,when unfolded, enables the bag to stand on its own with its mouth wideopen to allow for convenient and easy packaging. These bags, hence, arespecifically engineered to enable stacking two or more carryoutcontainers therein in a manner significantly preventing tipping andspilling of the container contents. Handles integrated with the wavetop, together with low, medium, or high weight plastic material madesometimes with recycled plastic, further increase functionality andvalue of these bags.

While the use of these wave bags has begun to proliferate in the foodservice industry, especially with the recent growth of third party fooddelivery services, the potential for food tampering also increases. Allparties including the food preparer/provider, the deliverydriver/provider and the consumer would like assurance the food preparedhas not in any manner been touched or tampered prior to the delivery.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a bell-shaped or wave type bagthat is capable of being sealed in a manner that enables the endconsumer assurance that the wave bag has not been opened, and that theprepared food therein has not been tampered with.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a tamper evident plastic bag including aplastic sheet folded to form opposing first and second panels of theplastic bag and a bottom gusset. Each panel having an internal surfacethat faces the opposing panel and an exterior surface. The plastic bagfurther includes a first seam secures the first panel to the secondpanel on a first side edge of the plastic bag, a second seam thatsecures the first panel to the second panel on a second side edgethereof. The first and second seams cooperating with the first andsecond panels and the bottom gusset to form a content receiving regionof the plastic bag between the panels, and a top opening between thepanels. In accordance with the present invention, an adhesive strip isincluded that is disposed on the internal surface of the first panel.The adhesive strip is positioned opposite an opposing portion of theinternal surface of the second panel. A removeable protective strip isprovided that covers the adhesive strip. The plastic bag is configuredsuch that when the protective strip is removed, and the adhesive stripis brought into contact with the opposing portion of internal surface ofthe second panel, a seal is formed that closes the plastic bag and avent is formed between the first seam and the seal.

Accordingly, a plastic bag is provided that can be easily sealed toprevent tampering, yet provide venting of the contents simply by thepositioning of the adhesive strip in such a manner to create at leastone vent passage. Moreover, the size of the vent passages, whileproviding venting of steam for example, is sufficiently small so thatdelivery personal cannot tamper with the bag contents without tearing ofthe bag or closure adhesive strip. This plastic bag is particularlyuseful in the food delivery service industry.

In one specific embodiment, the tamper evident plastic bag furtherincludes a third seam that secures the first panel to the second panelat a location between the first seam and the second seam to form twocompartments of the content receiving region of the plastic bag.

In another specific configuration, the third seam extends generallyvertically.

In still another embodiment, the third seam is a thermal seal betweenthe first panel and the second panel.

Yet another specific embodiment provides the third seam in the shape ofan inverted V.

Another configuration provides that the location of the third seam isabout midway between the first seam and the second seam.

In one specific embodiment, the location of the third seam is positionedproximate to the bottom gusset.

Still another embodiment provides that the vent is sufficiently large toenable the venting of steam therethrough while being sufficiently smallto prevent the passage of a human hand therethrough.

A further specific configuration provides the adhesive strip ispositioned at a level that is higher on the plastic bag than top ends ofthe first and second seams and the vent is formed between the top of thefirst seam and the seal.

Still another configuration provides a tamper evident plastic bag whichis a wave top plastic bag.

Yet another specific embodiment, when the adhesive strip is brought intocontact with the opposing portion of internal surface of the secondpanel, a second vent is also formed. The second vent being formedbetween the second seam and the seal. Further, the vents are located inan upper portion of the plastic bag and extend laterally inward fromtheir associated seams.

Another configuration provides a tamper evident plastic bag whichincludes a handle. The handle is a die cut handle formed in the firstand second panels at a location above the adhesive strip. Further, thedie cut handle has a shape selected from the group consisting of akidney shaped opening, a round opening and an oval opening.

In one specific configuration, the tamper evident plastic bag furtherincludes a tear feature positioned at a level that is lower on theplastic bag than the adhesive strip, the tear feature being configuredto facilitate opening the bag after it has been sealed, to therebyprovide access to the content receiving region of the plastic bag.

In another embodiment, the tear feature includes a perforation formed inat least one of the panels. The perforation is oriented substantially inparallel with the adhesive strip below the adhesive strip and extendslaterally across the plastic bag and is configured such that the plasticbag may be opened by tearing the perforation from either end of theperforation. Moreover, in another embodiment, each panel has aperforation

Finally, a tamper evident plastic bag is provided where the tear featureincludes a tear notch formed on the first side edge of the plastic bagat a position lower on the bag than the adhesive strip.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a topopening, tamper evident plastic bag is provided including a plasticsheet folded to form opposing first and second panels of the plastic bagand a bottom gusset. Each panel includes an internal surface that facesthe opposing panel and an exterior surface. The plastic bag furtherincludes a first seam that secures the first panel to the second panelon a first side edge of the plastic bag, and a second seam that securesthe first panel to the second panel on a second side edge of the plasticbag. the first and second seams cooperating with the first and secondpanels and the bottom gusset to form the top opening bag with a contentreceiving region between the panels. In accordance with the presentinvention, the plastic bag further includes a laterally extending singleuse closure adhesive strip disposed on the internal surface of the firstpanel. The adhesive strip is positioned opposite an opposing portion ofthe internal surface of the second panel. The adhesive strip ispositioned at a level that is higher on the plastic bag than top ends ofthe first and second seams. A removeable protective strip is providedthat covers the adhesive strip. The plastic bag is configured such thatwhen the protective strip is removed, and the adhesive strip is broughtinto contact with the opposing portion of internal surface of the secondpanel, a seal is formed that closes the plastic bag and a first vent isformed between the top of the first seam and the seal and a second ventis formed between the top of the second seam and the seal. The vents aresufficiently large to enable the venting of steam therethrough whilebeing sufficiently small to prevent the passage of a human handtherethrough. Lastly, a tear feature is provided which is positioned ata level that is lower on the plastic bag than the adhesive strip. Thefeature is configured to facilitate opening the bag after it has beensealed to thereby provide access to the content receiving region of theplastic bag.

In one specific embodiment, the plastic bag is a wave top plastic bagand each panel has a wave upper portion at a level that is higher on theplastic bag than the top ends of the seams. The adhesive strip isdisposed on the wave upper portion of the first panel; and the ventsextend laterally inward from their associated seams along a top edge ofthe wave upper portions of the panels.

In another specific configuration, the tear feature is positioned in thewave upper portions of the panels at a level that is higher on theplastic bag than the top ends of the seams.

Still another embodiment provides a tamper evident plastic bag thatincludes a die cut handle formed in the wave upper portions of the firstand second panels at a location above the adhesive strip.

In yet another embodiment, the tear feature includes at least one of aperforation and a tear notch.

In one specific embodiment, a third seam is included that secures thefirst panel to the second panel at a vertical location below the tearfeature, and a horizontal location between the first seam and the secondseam to form two compartments of the content receiving region of theplastic bag.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of packagingitems in a tamper evident plastic bag is included comprising opening thebag, inserting one or more items into the bag, and folding upperportions of the panels downwardly outward such that the upper portion ofeach panel extends over the exterior surface of a second portion of suchpanel that is lower than the upper portion of such panel. In the foldedover position, the adhesive strip does not face the second panel. Themethod further includes removing the protective strip while the upperportions of the panels are in the folded over position. After the upperportions of the panels have been folded downwardly and the protectivestrip has been removed, pressing the adhesive strip into contact withthe opposing portion of the internal surface of the second panel tothereby form a tamper evident seal that closes the plastic bag with theone or more items stored therein. Moreover, the method includes forminga vent between the first seam and the seal. The vent is sufficientlysmall to prevent the passage of a human hand therethrough.

In one specific embodiment, after the folding of the upper portions andprior to the pressing of the adhesive strip into contact with theopposing portion of the internal surface of the second panel, the methodinclude extending top ends of the side seams away from each other tothereby better even up the panels at a level corresponding to upperportions of the side seams.

In another configuration, the adhesive strip is positioned at a levelthat is higher on the plastic bag than top ends of the first and secondseams and folds formed by the folding of the upper portions of thepanels downwardly are located at least as high on the plastic bag as thetop ends of the first and second seams.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The assembly of the present invention has other objects and features ofadvantage which will be more readily apparent from the followingdescription of the best mode of carrying out the invention and theappended claims, when taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a wave bag assembly constructed inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of the wave bagassembly with a closure adhesive strip oriented at an alternativeposition.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the wave bag assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the wave bag assembly of FIG. 1 withthe upper sections thereof in an opened condition.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the wave bag assembly of FIG. 4 withthe first and second side panel thereof in a receiving condition.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the wave bag assembly of FIG. 5 withone or more containers placed in a bag interior thereof.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the wave bag assembly of FIG. 6 withcommencement of the upper sections of the side panels moved toward aclosed condition.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the wave bag assembly of FIG. 7,showing removal of a protective strip over the closure adhesive strip.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the wave bag assembly of FIG. 8,showing adherence of the upper sections together, in a closed condition,and formation of the vent passages.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the wave bag assembly of FIG. 9,showing the upper sections in the closed condition, while the remainingportions of the side panels maintain the contents of the bag assembly inthe receiving condition.

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of alternative embodiment of the wavebag assembly of FIG. 1 with a horizontal apex portion of the uppersection thereof.

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of another alternative embodiment ofthe wave bag assembly of FIG. 1 with a more vertically oriented ventpassages.

FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of alternative embodiment of the wavebag assembly of FIG. 1 with a parabolically shaped adhesive strip.

FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of alternative embodiment of the wavebag assembly of FIG. 1 with a horizontal apex portion of the uppersection thereof, and with an additional single use or multiple usealignment adhesive strip

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of alternative embodiment wave bagassembly of FIG. 14 with the upper sections thereof in an openedcondition.

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of alternative embodiment wave bagassembly of FIG. 15 with one or more containers placed in a bag interiorthereof.

FIG. 17 is another top perspective view of alternative embodiment wavebag assembly of FIG. 15 with one or more containers placed in a baginterior thereof.

FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the wave bag assembly of FIG. 16,showing removal of a protective strip over the single use or multipleuse alignment adhesive strip and the closure adhesive strip.

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the wave bag assembly of FIG. 18,showing alignment and adherence of the apex portions of the uppersections together, in an aligned condition, with the single use ormultiple use alignment adhesive strip.

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of the wave bag assembly of FIG. 19,showing adherence of the upper sections together, in a closed condition,with the closure adhesive strip and formation of the vent passages.

FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of the wave bagassembly of FIG. 1 with a perforation and notch cut out for easytearing.

FIG. 22 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of the wave bagassembly of FIG. 21 with an alternative position of the perforation.

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of the wave bag assembly of FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of the wave bag assembly of FIG. 23,illustrating opening of a closed bag assembly.

FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodimentperforation for the wave bag assembly of FIG. 21.

FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of alternative embodiment of the wavebag assembly of FIG. 1 with a central third seam.

FIG. 27 is a front elevation view of the wave bag assembly of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a side elevation of the wave bag assembly of FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is a front elevation view, in cross-section, of the wave bagassembly of FIG. 26, taken along the plane of the line 29-29 in FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a top plan view of the of the wave bag assembly of FIG. 26,illustrating the upper portions of the panels in a folded over positionto receive beverage containers in the associated bag compartments.

FIG. 31 is a top perspective view of the wave bag assembly of FIG. 26,showing removal of a protective strip over the closure adhesive strip.

FIG. 32 is a top perspective view of the wave bag assembly of FIG. 31,showing adherence of the upper sections together, in a closed condition,and formation of the vent passages.

FIG. 33 is a top perspective view of the wave bag assembly of FIG. 32,illustrating opening of a closed bag assembly.

FIG. 34 is a top perspective view of the wave bag assembly of FIG. 7,illustrating alignment of the upper portions for closure of the bagassembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention will be described with reference to a fewspecific embodiments, the description is illustrative of the inventionand is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Variousmodifications to the present invention can be made to the preferredembodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the truespirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Itwill be noted here that for a better understanding, like components aredesignated by like reference numerals throughout the various figures.

Turning now to FIGS. 1-9, a tamper evident plastic bag, generallydesignated 20, is provided including a plastic sheet folded to form afirst panel 21 and an opposing second panel 21′ of the plastic bag and abottom gusset 47. Each panel 21, 21′ includes an internal surface 41,41′ that faces the opposing panel and an exterior surface. The plasticbag 20 further includes a first seam 24 secures the first panel 21 tothe second panel 21′ on a first side edge 22 of the plastic bag.Similarly, an opposed second seam 29 is provided that secures the firstpanel 21 to the second panel 21′ on a second side edge 23 thereof. Thefirst and second seams 24, 29 cooperate with the first and second panels21, 21′ and the bottom gusset 47 to form a content receiving region 38of the plastic bag between the panels, and a top opening between thepanels.

In accordance with the present invention, an adhesive strip 40 isincluded that is disposed on the internal surface 41 of the first panel21. The adhesive strip 40 is positioned opposite an opposing portion 25′of the internal surface 41′ of the second panel 21′. The plastic bag 20further includes a removeable protective strip 54 that covers theadhesive strip 40. The plastic bag 20 is configured such that when theprotective strip 54 is removed, and the adhesive strip 40 is broughtinto contact with the opposing portion 25′ of internal surface 41′ ofthe second panel 21′, a seal 34 is formed that closes the plastic bag 20and a vent 45 (FIG. 9) is formed between the first seam 24 and the seal34.

Accordingly, a plastic bag assembly is provided that can be easilysealed to prevent visible tampering, yet provides venting of thecontents simply by the positioning of the closure adhesive strip andseal in such a manner to create the vent. This assembly is particularlyuseful in the food delivery service industry since the size of the vent,while providing venting of steam for example, is sufficiently small sothat delivery personal cannot tamper with the bag contents withouttearing of the bag or seal.

In one specific embodiment, the plastic bag 20 is in the form of aplastic wave bag assembly with the sheet-like first and second sidepanels 21, 21′ oriented in opposed congruent relationship to one anotherwhen in a folded condition (FIG. 1-3). Each side panel 21, 21′ isintegrally joined together at common opposing side edges 22, 23 thereof,forming seams 24, 29. Further, each side panel includes respective upperpanel sections 25, 25′ that are defined by respective convexlycontoured, parabolically shaped top edges 26, 26′. Further, each upperpanel section 25, 25′ includes a handle 39 to facilitate carrying theplastic bag. Briefly, the handle 39 can be comprised of a soft loopstyle handle or a die cut style handle, for instance. In oneconfiguration of a die cut style handle for a wave bag, the upper panelsections 25, 25′define congruently located handle apertures 27, 27′positioned proximate to a respective apex portion 28, 28′ of therespective parabolically shaped top edge 26, 26′. These die cut stylehandles can be in the shape of a round opening, and oval opening or akidney-shaped opening, for example.

Each parabolically shaped top edge 26, 26′ includes a respective pair ofopposed shoulder end portions 30, 31 and 30′, 31′ that terminate andintersect with respective upper side edge end portions 32, 33 of thecommon opposed side edges 22, 23 of the joined first and second sidepanel 21, 21′ at respective corner intersections 35, 36 thereof.Essentially, these corner intersections 35, 36, correspond to the topends of the first and second seams 24, 29. Each of the first and secondside panel 21, 21′ further includes a respective opposed bottom edge 37,37′ oriented in congruent, adjacent relationship to one another, in thefolded condition (FIG. 1-3), and are cooperatively joined such that thecontent receiving region 38 (FIG. 5) is formed when the parabolicallyshaped top edges 26, 26′ are generally spaced apart to an openedcondition (FIGS. 5 and 6), reorienting the remaining portions of theside panels 21, 21′ to a receiving condition (FIGS. 6-10).

In accordance with the present invention and as set forth above, thewave bag assembly 20 further includes the single use closure adhesivestrip 40 disposed and oriented primarily laterally across the internalsurface 41 of the upper panel section 25 first panel 21 at a level belowthe corresponding handle aperture 27. The closure adhesive strip 40 isconfigured to selectively be brought into contact with the opposingportion of internal surface 41′ of the upper panel section 25′ of thesecond panel 21′ when the protective strip 54 is removed. This contactforms the seal 34 that closes and maintains the upper panel sections 25,25′ generally in a sealed or closed condition (FIGS. 9 and 10) while theremaining portions of the first and second panels 21, 21′ are maintainedin the receiving condition (FIGS. 9 and 10) to hold content within thecontent receiving region 38. The closure adhesive strip 40 includes apair of opposed adhesive strip distal ends 42, 43 formed and dimensionedto terminate proximate to a respective corner intersection 35, 36(corresponding to the respective top ends of the first and second seams)of the bag assembly 20 such that when the seal 34 is formed, the sealends (corresponding to the adhesive strip distal ends 42, 43) cooperatewith the corresponding top ends of the first and second seams 24, 29 toform respective vents 45, 46, in the closed condition. Each vent 45, 46is of a lateral dimension sufficiently large to enable the venting ofsteam therethrough while being sufficiently small to prevent the passageof a human hand therethrough.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 5, each panel 21, 21′ is preferablyidentical in size and shape to one another such that when placed atopone another, in the folded condition, the panel integral side edges 22,23, the opposed parabolically shaped top edges 26, 26′, and therespective opposed bottom edges 37, 37′ are congruent. It will beappreciated, however, that while the opposed parabolically shaped topedges 26, 26′ are preferably congruent, this is not a requisite.Furthermore, each plastic panel is composed of a common plastic bagmaterial, such as polyethylene, in typical sheet thickness in the rangesof between about 0.00035 inch to about 0.035 inch.

Using any conventional extrusion techniques, a single cylindrical unitcan be extruded, folded, and stamped or die cut, for instance, formingthe congruent first and second panels 21, 21′ of FIGS. 1-3. It will beappreciated, however, that using conventional adhesive or heat sealtechniques, or any other common edge joining method, the opposed sideedges 22, 23 can be integrally joined, substantially forming the contentreceiving region 38, forming seams 24, 29.

With respect to the formation of the bottom portion of the wave bagassembly 20, the rectangular shaped bottom gusset 47 is disposed betweenthe bottom edges 37, 37′ of the respective panels 21, 21′. This bottomgusset 47 facilitates the ability of the upper panel sections 25, 25′ tostay in the opened condition (FIG. 5) while the remaining portions ofthe side panels are maintained in the receiving condition (FIGS. 5-10).Moreover, the bottom gusset provides a flatter bottom support when thefood containers 49 are positioned therein.

The respective gusset side edges 48, 48′ (FIGS. 1 and 4) are integrallyjoined with the respective adjacent panel bottom edges 37, 37′ in thesame or similar manner as the adjacent side panel side edges 22, 23. Asbest viewed in FIG. 4, the bottom gusset 47 includes a longitudinallyextending central fold line 50 that is centrally disposed between thelower portions of the first and second side panels 21, 21′. Moreover,the opposed, folded gusset end edges 51, 51′ are integrally joinedtogether at the center fold line 50, and with the lower side edgeportions 52, 53 of panel side edges 22, 23. Accordingly, when the bagassembly 20 is in the folded condition (FIGS. 1-5), the gusset portion47 is completely folded. When the panels 21, 21′ are separated to thereceiving condition (FIGS. 4 and 5, at least the central portions of thecenter fold line 50 are moved to an unfolded condition, while theintegrally joined gusset end edges 51, 51′ remain folded.

Once the upper panel sections 25, 25′ of the wave bag assembly 20 aremoved to the opened condition (FIGS. 4 and 5) and the panels 21, 21′ aremoved to the receiving condition (FIG. 5), the one or more containers orcartons 49 can be stacked and/or placed side-by-side therein. Inaccordance with the present invention, and as mentioned above, the upperpanel sections 25, 25′ can then be repositioned to the closed position,and adhered together, via the closure adhesive strip 40 contacting theopposed internal surface 41′ of the second panel 21′, temporarilyclosing the upper panel sections together, via seal 34, while retainingthe container contents in the bag interior. The closure adhesive strip40 and the seal 34 will maintain the closure of the bag assembly untilforcibly opened and torn. Accordingly, a tamper proof seal is created,assuring all parties including the food preparer/provider, the deliverydriver/provider and the customer that content contained in the wave bagassembly 20 has not been tampered with.

The character and properties of the closure adhesive strip 40 ispreferably similar to that of the relatively strong adhesives andadhesive tapes employed for those used on overnight delivery packages,for instance. That is, the adhesive strength must be sufficiently strongso that any attempt to open the sealed wave bag assembly would showvisible signs of tampering (e.g., stretching, tearing, etc. of the bagmaterial and/or closure adhesive strip). Suitable closure adhesive stripmaterials include, for example, 3M® 9086, 9888T, CT6348, 9088, 9088FL,and 55256 double-sided adhesive. One adhesive side of the closureadhesive strip 40 bearing the manually removable protective strip 54(FIG. 8) that protects the adhesive until needed, as well as preventinginadvertent sealing of the upper panel sections 25, 25′.

Also in accordance with the present invention, at least one vent 45 iscreated between the seal 34, via the closure adhesive strip 40 itself,and the corresponding upper side edge end portion 32, 33 (most likelythe corner intersection 35, 36 or the seam top ends) of the joinedadjacent, respective first and second seams 24, 29. This vent 45 enablesthe passage of steam, for example, emitted from the hot food containedin the containers 49 stored in the content receiving region 38. However,the vent 45 must also not be too wide so as to permit the passage of ahuman hand therethrough.

For example, the vent 45 is created between the at least one distal endportion of the closure adhesive strip 40 and seal 34 and thecorresponding upper side edge end portion 32 at first seam 24, in thesealed, closed condition. However, the width of a flattened vent 45,when the bag assembly 20 is in the relaxed position, is significantlylonger than a diameter of the vent passage, when generally circular, aswhen the bag assembly is in the receiving condition, and one tries topass their hand therethrough. Accordingly, the range of permissible ventdiameters is preferably in the range of about ½ inch to about 2½ inchesin diameter, so a flattened Length (L_(v)) of the vent 45 (FIGS. 1, 2and 12), when the bag assembly is in the folded condition, wouldtranslate to ½ of the vent circumference (i.e., when folded flat or ½πD) or about 0.785 inch to 3.925 inches.

Turning now to FIG. 10, although only one vent 45 has been described,preferably a pair of opposed vents 45, 46 are formed by the oppositeadhesive strip distal ends 42, 43, forming seal 34 when contacting theinternal surface 41′ of the upper section 25′ of the second panel 21′,in the closed condition. More preferably, each vent 45, 46 is formedbetween a corresponding seal ends created by the adhesive strip distalend 42, 43 and the adjacent upper side edge end portion 32, 33, (i.e.,the top ends of the first and second seams 24, 29) and more likely thecorresponding corner intersection 35, 36.

Preferably, the closure adhesive strip is provided by a singlecontinuous strip generally spanning the horizontal distance from oneupper side edge end portion 32 to the opposed upper side edge endportion 33 of the panels 21, 21′. It will be appreciated, however, thatthe closure adhesive strip 40 could be provided by a plurality ofaligned independent adhesive strip members (not shown) where the spacingtherebetween complies with that of the vents 45, 46.

As best viewed in FIGS. 1, 2, 12 and 13, the shape of the closureadhesive strip 40 and/or the position of the opposed adhesive stripdistal ends 42, 43 the top ends of the first and second seams 24, 29,alters the ability close and seal the upper panel sections 25, 25′ whilemaintaining the containers in the bag assembly 20 in the receivingcondition. FIGS. 1 and 2 best represents the simplest closure adhesivestrip 40 form and position extending horizontally near the intersection(i.e., an imaginary intersection line 55) between the upper panelsection 25 and the middle panel section 56 of the first panel 21 (FIG.2), Since this positions the adhesive strip distal ends 42, 43, and thusthe corresponding ends of the seal 34, horizontally at the respectivetop ends of the first and second seams 24, 29 (i.e., the cornerintersections 35, 36), the distal ends thereof must terminate within theflattened distances or Length (L_(v)) mentioned so as to create theproper sized vents 45, 46.

In the preferred embodiment, the closure adhesive strip 40 is positionedvertically above the imaginary intersection line 55, and thus the topends of the first and second seams 24, 29, as best shown in theembodiments of FIGS. 1, 11, 12 and 14. In this manner, the closureadhesive strip 40 could extend horizontally and substantially all theway across the upper panel section 25, 25′ with the opposed adhesivestrip distal ends terminating at, or substantially at, the parabolic topedge 26, albeit at a vertical distance above the imaginary line 55wherein the resulting hypotenuse length between the adhesive stripdistal ends 42, 43 and the corner intersections. This length, of courseshould be no greater than the maximum flattened Length (L_(v)) mentionedabove to create the vents 45, 46. Accordingly, the vents extendlaterally inward from the associated seams.

In still another configuration, as best shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, theapex portions 28, 28′ of the parabolically-shaped top edges 26, 26′ canextend generally horizontally and linearly across the respective upperpanel sections 25, 25′. This flattened apex portion 28, 28′ is of courseoriented above the respective handle apertures 27, 27′. Such aconfiguration also facilitates alignment of the apex portions 28, 28′for initial closure. Accordingly, this configuration is particularlyuseful when employed in conjunction with the upper single use ormultiple use alignment adhesive strip embodiment to be described below.

Yet another specific embodiment provides a wave bag assembly 20 withvertically oriented vent passages, 45, 46, as best illustrated in FIGS.12 and 14, defined by vertical cutouts 60, 61 which are cut out of theupper portions of the side edges 22, 23, as well as the opposed shoulderend portions of the parabolically shaped top edges 26, 26′of the upperpanel sections 25, 25′. By orienting the vents 45, 46 more vertically,the steam vented can be direct out of the sides of the bag assemblyrather than upwardly near the handles.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the closure adhesive strip 40 could be shapedgenerally similar to the parabolic curve of the top edge 26. This shapeenables the middle section 56, 56′ of the panels 21, 21′ to remain in amore open orientation when supporting the containers 49 therein, whilethe upper panel section 25, 25′ remains sealed closed, via the closureadhesive strip 40. Accordingly, from the opposed adhesive strip distalends 42, 43′, the respective closure adhesive strip 40 tapers upwardlytherefrom toward the apex portion 28, 28′ of the top edge 26, 26′. Itwill be appreciated, however, that the apex of the closure adhesivestrip 40 is positioned under the handle apertures 27, 27′, of course.

In one configuration, the shape of the closure adhesive strip 40 is aninverted V-shape (not shown), while in another configuration, the shapeof the closure adhesive strip 40 generally conforms to the parabolicshaped of the top edges 26, 26′ (FIG. 13). Such an upwardly taperedclosure adhesive strip 40 from the strip distal ends 42, 43 thereof,this design not only enables termination of the strip distal ends 42, 43above the imaginary intersection line 55 (not shown), termination ofdistal ends of the seal 34 at the imaginary intersection line 55, butalso enables termination of distal ends of the seal 34 below theimaginary intersection line 55 (FIG. 13), as well, to create thecorresponding vents 45, 46.

Turning now to FIGS. 14-20, another embodiment is illustrated thatincludes an independent alignment adhesive strip 62 disposed andoriented laterally across the internal surfaces 41 of the upper panelsection 25 of the first panel 21. This alignment adhesive strip 62 isoriented above the handle aperture 27, and is configured to initiallyalign the apex portions 28, 28′ of the top edges 26, 26′ for mountingtogether. Subsequently, this eases and simplifies the alignment andclosure procedure of the closure adhesive strip 40, in the closedcondition.

Similar to the closure adhesive strip 40, the alignment adhesive stripcan be provided by single use or multiple use double sided tape, orother forms of adhesives commonly employed for these purposes.Typically, for instance, the protective strip 63 from over the alignmentadhesive strip can be removed (FIG. 18), and then the apex portions 28,28′ of the upper panel sections 25, 25′ can be initially aligned.However, if initially not aligned straight, the realignment can beachieved from the multiple use alignment adhesive strip. Once aligned,the alignment adhesive strip 62 can be pressed against the opposinginternal surfaces 41′ of the upper panel section 25′ of the second panel21′ (FIG. 19). The adhered alignment strip 62 subsequently facilitatesthe alignment and closure of the closure adhesive strip 40 to theopposed internal surfaces 41′ of the second panel 21′ (FIG. 20).

FIGS. 21-24 best illustrate another sealable wave bag assemblyembodiment having a tear feature 59 configured to promote opening of thesealed plastic bag 20 when oriented in the closed condition to provideaccess to the content receiving region 38. The tear feature 59 ispositioned at a level that is lower on the plastic bag 20 than theadhesive strip 40.

The tear feature is preferably in the form of a perforation 65 (and/or65′) extending substantially across at least one of the first and secondpanels 21, 21′ to facilitate opening of the wave bag assembly 20 toretrieve its contents, once sealed. Preferably each side panel 21, 21′includes a perforation 65, 65′ extending substantially across each sidepanel 21, 21, and preferably each perforation 65, 65′ is congruent toone another to promote tearing open the perforations in a manner similarto opening a bag of potato chip for example (FIG. 24). It will beunderstood, however, that a single perforation 65 (FIG. 25) isacceptable.

The placement of these opposing perforations 65, 65′ must be orientedbelow, or at a level lower than, the closure adhesive strip 40 ofcourse. As best shown in FIG. 21, in one embodiment, the perforations65, 65′ extend from the first seam 24 of the corresponding panel 21, 21′to the opposed second seam 29 thereof. In another embodiment, theperforations 65, 65′ extend substantially across the corresponding upperpanel sections 25, 25′ from one side of the respective parabolic topedge 26, 26′ to an opposite side of the top edge thereof (FIG. 22).

The perforations 65, 65′ can be created using conventional mechanicaland/or laser cutting techniques. Moreover, while the perforations 65,65′ are substantially linear and oriented substantially horizontal,substantially in parallel with the adhesive strip 40 above, it will beappreciated that the perforations can be non-linear, and can even beoriented vertically along the panels 21, 21′ (e.g., down at least one ofthe side edge 22, 23, although not shown).

In accordance with this aspect of the present invention, to open thewave bag assembly 20 when the closure adhesive strip 40 is selectivelymaintaining the upper panel sections 25, 25′ generally in the closedcondition (FIGS. 9 and 10), the perforations can be compromised byforcibly tearing open one side of the panels (FIG. 25). When there is aset of congruent, opposed perforations 65, 65′, tearing of the panelsmay be performed more easily together and simultaneously (FIG. 24).

As best illustrated in FIG. 21, in one embodiment, the tear feature 59is provided by a notch or cutout 66 on the first side edge 22 of theplastic bag 20 at a position lower on the bag than the adhesive strip40. The notch 66 may further be aligned with the terminating ends of theperforations 65, 65′. The tear feature may further include a secondnotch 67 on the second side edge 23, opposite the first named notch 66.These cutouts 66, 67 facilitate commencement of the tear at the endsthereof with or without the perforations.

Referring now to FIGS. 26-33, another aspect of the present invention isprovided wherein the tamper evident plastic bag 20 further includes athird seam, generally designated 68, that secures the first panel 21 tothe second panel 21′ at a location between the first seam 24 and thesecond seam 29 to form two compartments 70 and 71 within the contentreceiving region 38. The third seam 68 extends generally vertically,forming the two compartments 70, 71 which are elongated vertically, andare particularly suitable to seat beverage style or beverage-shapedcontainer 72 therein in an upright manner.

Accordingly, beverage style containers 72, such as conventional sodacups, can be stored and sealed there with the reduced fear of spillageand/or tampering. Similar to the previous embodiment plastic bagdescribed above, once the top opening is moved from the folded condition(FIGS. 26-28) to the opened condition (FIGS. 30-31), opening access tothe compartments 70, 71 of the content receiving region, beveragecontainers can then be placed therein in a side-by-side manner.Subsequently, again similar to the previous embodiments described above,the protective strip 54 can be removed to expose the adhesive of theadhesive strip 40. By placing the adhesive strip into contact with theopposing internal surface 41′ of the second panel, a seal 34 is formedto between the panels to the plastic bag 20 in the closed condition(FIG. 32).

The third seam 68 essentially joins the internal surface 41 of the firstpanel 21 to the internal surface 41′ of the second panel 21′. It will beappreciated, however, that the third seam 68 is formed usingconventional adhesive or heat seal techniques, or any other commonplastic sheet joining techniques. This seam does not need to beparticularly wide, although it should be sufficiently wide to providesufficient structural integrity thereat when stressed during normal use.Preferably, the width of the thermal seam is in the range of about 0.5mm to about 5.0 mm. Moreover, the elongated third seam 68 need not be acontinuous seam, but may be composed of a plurality of segments thatcollectively separate the compartments 70, 71.

To create two similarly sized compartments 70, 71, the third seam 68 iscentrally located at a horizontal position midway between the first seam24 and the second seam 29. It will be appreciated, however, that thethird seam can be offset more toward the first seam 24 or the secondseam 29 to differ the relative size of the compartments 70, 71.

In general, the third seam 68 extends vertically, but need not extendcontinuously from the perforation 65 to the bottom gusset 47. The heightof the third seam 68 only extends a portion of the vertical distance,VD_(PG), between the perforations to the bottom gusset (FIG. 27). Inparticular, the height of the third seam is in the range of about 10% ofthe VD_(PG) to about 60% of the VD_(PG), and more particularly, in therange of about 20% of the VD_(PG) to 40% of the VD_(PG). Moreover, asbest shown in FIG. 29, the third seam 68 is positioned near the bottomof the first and second panels, just above the folded bottom gusset 47.This is advantageous in that the contents (beverage containers) canstand upright evenly and easily on a flat surface. Also due to theplacement of the third seam 68, there is a little slack between the twoloaded beverage containers. Therefore, when placed in an automobile'stwo drink cup holder, for instance, the beverage containers can easilyseated snugly into the automobile's cup holder.

In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, the twocompartments 70, 71 of the content receiving region 38 formed by thethird seam 68 are sized and dimensioned to carry beverage containers 72which are generally taller in height as compared to their width. Oftenbeverage containers or cups, which are sized to be held of a person'shand, taper outwardly from the bottom of the container to the top suchthat the diameter of the top of the container is much larger than thatof the bottom of the container. Accordingly, in one particularembodiment, the third seam 68 is generally in the shape of an invertedV, as best illustrated in FIGS. 26, 27 and 29. Such inward taper of thethird seam 68 from the bottom sides thereof to the apex of the invertedV third seam 68 will somewhat conform to the outward taper of theaverage beverage containers.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a method ofpackaging items 49 in a tamper evident plastic bag 20 that includesopening the bag 20, and inserting one or more items 49 into the bag. Themethod next includes folding upper portions 25, 25′of the panels 21, 21′downwardly outward such that the upper portion of each panel extendsover the exterior surface of a second portion of such panel that islower than the upper portion of such panel. In this folded over position(FIG. 30), the adhesive strip 40 does not face the second panel 21′. Themethod further includes pulling on each respective corner intersection35, 36 or top ends of the side seam 24, 29 in opposite directions(arrows 73 and 75 in FIG. 34) away from one another to prepare and alignthe adhesive strip with the opposed internal surface for sealing. Themethod includes removing the protective strip 54 while the upperportions 25, 25′ of the panels 21, 21′ are in the folded over position.After the upper portions 25, 25′ of the panels 21, 21′ have been foldeddownwardly, the side seams have been pulled away from each other toprepare for sealing, and the protective strip has been removed, themethod next includes pressing the adhesive strip 40 into contact withthe opposing portion of the internal surface 41′ of the second panel 21′to thereby form a tamper evident seal 34 that closes the plastic bag 20with the one or more items 49 stored therein. In accordance with thepresent invention, formation of the seal 34 simultaneously forms a vent45 between the first seam 24, 29 and the seal 34. The vent 45 issufficiently small to prevent the passage of a human hand therethrough.

In one embodiment, the method further includes, after the folding of theupper portions 25, 25′and prior to the pressing of the adhesive strip 40into contact with the opposing portion of the internal surface 41′ ofthe second panel 21′, extending top ends of the side seams 24, 29 awayfrom each other to thereby better even (align) up the panels 21, 21′ ata level corresponding to upper portions of the side seams.

Another embodiment provides a tamper proof method for transporting oneor more food containers 49 which includes is providing a plasticmaterial wave bag assembly 20 as described above, having a sheet-likefirst panel 21 and a sheet-like second panel 21′ oriented in opposedcongruent relationship to one another when in a folded condition (FIGS.1-3), and repositioning the wave bag assembly 20 from the foldedcondition to the opened condition (FIGS. 4 and 5), reorienting the firstand second side panels 21, 21′ to the receiving condition (FIG. 5). Themethod further includes placing the one or more food containers 49 intothe content receiving region 38 in the receiving condition (FIGS. 6 and7). The next step includes single-use, substantially sealing the opposedupper panel sections 25, 25′ together to a closed condition (FIGS. 9 and10), toward the folded condition, while the one or more food containersare maintained in the content receiving region 38 in the receivingcondition by contacting a single use closure adhesive strip 40 intocontact with the opposed internal surfaces 41′ of the opposed upperpanel section 25′.

Similarly, the closure adhesive strip is formed and dimensioned tofacilitate the creation of at least one vent passage. The opposed upperpanel sections are maintained in the closed condition, and the vent isof a lateral dimension sufficiently large to enable the venting of steamtherethrough from the bag interior while being sufficiently small toprevent the passage of a human hand therethrough.

In another specific embodiment, before forming the pair of opposed vents45, 46, aligning the respective apex portions 28, 28′ of the upper panelsections 25, 25′together. Next, the method includes contacting a singleuse or multiple use alignment adhesive strip 62, disposed on theinternal surface 41 of the upper section 25 of the first panel 21,oriented above the handle apertures 27, and into contact with theopposed internal surface 41′ of the second panel 21′.

While the present invention has been described in connection with thepreferred form of practicing it and modifications thereto, those ofordinary skill in the art will understand that many other modificationscan be made thereto within the scope of the claims that follow.Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the invention in anyway be limited by the above description, but instead be determinedentirely by reference to the claims that follow.

1. A tamper evident plastic bag comprising: a plastic sheet folded toform opposing first and second panels of the plastic bag and a bottomgusset, each panel having an internal surface that faces the opposingpanel and an exterior surface; a first seam that secures the first panelto the second panel on a first side edge of the plastic bag; a secondseam that secures the first panel to the second panel on a second sideedge of the plastic bag, the first and second seams cooperating with thefirst and second panels and the bottom gusset to form a contentreceiving region of the plastic bag between the panels, and a topopening between the panels; an adhesive strip disposed on the internalsurface of the first panel, the adhesive strip being positioned oppositean opposing portion of the internal surface of the second panel; and aremovable protective strip that covers the adhesive strip, the plasticbag being configured such that when the protective strip is removed, andthe adhesive strip is brought into contact with the opposing portion ofinternal surface of the second panel, a seal is formed that closes theplastic bag and a vent is formed between the first seam and the seal;and a handle arranged to be gripped by a user at a location above theadhesive strip after the seal is formed to facilitate carrying theplastic bag, wherein the handle does not provide access to the contentreceiving region of the sealed plastic bag.
 2. The tamper evidentplastic bag as recited in claim 1 further comprising a third seam thatsecures the first panel to the second panel at a location between thefirst seam and the second seam to form two compartments of the contentreceiving region of the plastic bag.
 3. The tamper evident plastic bagas recited in claim 2 wherein the third seam extends generallyvertically.
 4. The tamper evident plastic bag as recited in claim 3wherein the third seam is a thermal seal between the first panel and thesecond panel.
 5. The tamper evident plastic bag as recited in claim 3wherein a general shape of the third seam is an inverted V.
 6. Thetamper evident plastic bag as recited in claim 5 wherein the horizontallocation of the third seam is about midway between the first seam andthe second seam.
 7. The tamper evident plastic bag as recited in claim 1wherein the vent is sufficiently large to enable the venting of steamtherethrough while being sufficiently small to prevent the passage of ahuman hand therethrough.
 8. The tamper evident plastic bag as recited inclaim 1 wherein the adhesive strip is positioned at a level that ishigher on the plastic bag than top ends of the first and second seamsand the vent is formed between the top of the first seam and the seal.9. The tamper evident plastic bag as recited in claim 1 wherein when theadhesive strip is brought into contact with the opposing portion ofinternal surface of the second panel a second vent is also formed, thesecond vent being formed between the second seam and the seal.
 10. Thetamper evident plastic bag as recited in claim 1 wherein the vents arelocated in an upper portion of the plastic bag and extend laterallyinward from their associated seams.
 11. The tamper evident plastic bagas recited in claim 1 wherein the tamper evident plastic bag is a foodor beverage carrier
 12. The tamper evident plastic bag as recited inclaim 1 wherein the handle is a die cut handle formed in the first andsecond panels at a location above the adhesive strip.
 13. The tamperevident plastic bag as recited in claim 1 further comprising a tearfeature positioned at a level that is lower on the plastic bag than theadhesive strip, the tear feature being configured to facilitate openingthe bag after it has been sealed, to thereby provide access to thecontent receiving region of the plastic bag.
 14. The tamper evidentplastic bag as recited in claim 13 wherein the tear feature includes aperforation formed in at least one of the panels.
 15. The tamper evidentplastic bag as recited in claim 14 wherein the perforation is orientedsubstantially in parallel with the adhesive strip, below the adhesivestrip and extends laterally across the plastic bag ,and is configuredsuch that the plastic bag may be opened by tearing the perforation fromeither end of the perforation.
 16. The tamper evident plastic bag asrecited in claim 14 wherein each panel has a perforation.
 17. The tamperevident plastic bag as recited in claim 13 wherein the tear featureincludes a tear notch formed on the first side edge of the plastic bagat a position lower on the bag than the adhesive strip.
 18. The tamperevident plastic bag as recited in claim 1 wherein the adhesive strip isa single use closure adhesive strip.
 19. A top opening, tamper evidentplastic bag comprising: a plastic sheet folded to form opposing firstand second panels of the plastic bag and a bottom gusset, each panelhaving an internal surface that faces the opposing panel and an exteriorsurface; a first seam that secures the first panel to the second panelon a first side edge of the plastic bag; a second seam that secures thefirst panel to the second panel on a second side edge of the plasticbag, the first and second seams cooperating with the first and secondpanels and the bottom gusset to form the top opening bag with a contentreceiving region between the panels; a laterally extending single useclosure adhesive strip disposed on the internal surface of the firstpanel, the adhesive strip being positioned opposite an opposing portionof the internal surface of the second panel and wherein the adhesivestrip is positioned at a level that is higher on the plastic bag thantop ends of the first and second seams; a removable protective stripthat covers the adhesive strip, the plastic bag being configured suchthat when the protective strip is removed, and the adhesive strip isbrought into contact with the opposing portion of internal surface ofthe second panel a seal is formed that closes the plastic bag and afirst vent is formed between the top of the first seam and the seal anda second vent is formed between the top of the second seam and the seal,wherein the vents are sufficiently large to enable the venting of steamtherethrough while being sufficiently small to prevent the passage of ahuman hand therethrough; and a tear feature positioned at a level thatis lower on the plastic bag than the adhesive strip, the tear featurebeing configured to facilitate opening the bag after it has been sealedto thereby provide access to the content receiving region of the plasticbag; and a handle formed as cut-outs in upper portions of the first andsecond panels at a location above the adhesive strip.
 20. The tamperevident plastic bag as recited in claim 19 further comprising a thirdseam that secures the first panel to the second panel at a verticallocation below the tear feature, and a horizontal location between thefirst seam and the second seam to form two compartments of the contentreceiving region of the plastic bag.
 21. The tamper evident plastic bagas recited in claim 19 wherein: the plastic bag is a wave top plasticbag and each panel has a wave upper portion at a level that is higher onthe plastic bag than the top ends of the seams; the adhesive strip isdisposed on the wave upper portion of the first panel; and the ventsextend laterally inward from their associated seams along a top edge ofthe wave upper portions of the panels.
 22. The tamper evident plasticbag as recited in claim 21 wherein the tear feature is positioned in thewave upper portions of the panels at a level that is higher on theplastic bag than the top ends of the seams.
 23. The tamper evidentplastic bag as recited in claim 21 wherein the tear feature is at alevel that is lower on the plastic bag than the top ends of the seams.24. The tamper evident plastic bag as recited in claim 21 furthercomprising a die cut handle formed in the wave upper portions of thefirst and second panels at a location above the adhesive strip.
 25. Thetamper evident plastic bag as recited in claim 21 wherein the tearfeature includes at least one of a perforation and a tear notch. 26-30.(canceled)
 31. A top opening, tamper evident, plastic food or beveragecarrier bag comprising: a plastic sheet folded to form opposing firstand second panels of the plastic bag and a bottom gusset, each panelhaving an internal surface that faces the opposing panel, an exteriorsurface, and a wave top upper portion, the first and second panelshaving substantially identical footprints; a first seam that secures thefirst panel to the second panel on a first side edge of the plastic bag;a second seam that secures the first panel to the second panel on asecond side edge of the plastic bag, the first and second seamscooperating with the first and second panels and the bottom gusset toform the top opening bag with a content receiving region between thepanels, and wherein the wave top upper portions of the first and secondpanels are at a level that is higher on the plastic bag than the topends of the first and second seams and all regions of the first andsecond panels above the first and second seams are narrower in widththan a width between the first and second seams; a laterally extendingsingle use closure adhesive strip disposed on the internal surface ofthe wave top upper portion of the first panel, the adhesive strip beingpositioned opposite an opposing portion of the internal surface of thewave top upper portion of the second panel, wherein the adhesive stripextends continuously across the wave top upper portion of the firstpanel between opposite edges of the wave top upper portion of the firstpanel; a removable protective strip that covers the adhesive strip, theplastic bag being configured such that when the protective strip isremoved, and the adhesive strip is brought into contact with theopposing portion of internal surface of the second panel a seal isformed that closes the plastic bag and a first vent is formed betweenthe top of the first seam and the seal and a second vent is formedbetween the top of the second seam and the seal, the vents extendinglaterally inward from their associated seams along a top edge of thewave top upper portions of the panels, wherein the vents aresufficiently large to enable the venting of steam therethrough whilebeing sufficiently small to prevent the passage of a human handtherethrough; and a tear feature positioned at a level that is lower onthe plastic bag than the adhesive strip, the tear feature beingconfigured to facilitate opening the bag after it has been sealed tothereby provide access to the content receiving region of the plasticbag; and a handle formed as cut-outs in upper portions of the first andsecond panels at a location above the adhesive strip.
 32. The tamperevident plastic bag as recited in claim 19 wherein: all upper portionsof the first and second panels that are at a level that is higher on theplastic bag than the top ends of the first and second seams, includingthe portions of the internal surface of the first panel that underliethe adhesive strip, are narrower in width than a width between the firstand second seams; and the adhesive strip and the removable protectivestrip each extend continuously across the first panel between oppositeedges of the first panel; and whereby no portion of the adhesive stripor the removable protective strip are positioned directly above the topend of either of the first and second seams.
 33. The tamper evidentplastic bag as recited in claim 19 wherein the first and second panelshave substantially identical footprints and no portion of the removableprotective strip extends beyond the footprint of the first and secondpanels.
 34. The tamper evident plastic bag as recited in claim 19wherein the tamper evident plastic bag is a food or beverage carrierbag.